Arkham Horror: Blood on the Altar

Board Game Geek Reviews

1. 7 out of 10

   CortexBomb

   This fifth entry in the Dunwich Legacy is in some regards more typical than the two scenarios that precede it. That isn't a particularly bad thing though, as the core gameplay of Arkham is engaging enough to carry the game by itself. Moreover, this expansion finally begins to use all of the narrative points from the earlier campaign to real effect. Your encounter deck can be changed, your allies can end up sacrificed, and your decision points can matter a lot for the unfolding narrative here. The scenario is a bit combat heavy, but again, this is more standard for the game and after the curveballs from the previous 2 scenarios, it wasn't bad to come back to. This is probably 6 on its own merits, but gains a point for using the story to that point so well. This scenario seems like it can be a real make or break point for the campaign though, as you can gain some serious assets with a good resolution, and miss out on a lot of the same if you don't. Good time race element though, and the very real risk of losing some powerful allies helps drive the story along. In terms of player cards: the permanent cards in this set are probably the most powerful cards in the game. They allow you to always have access to big skill boosts in trade for resources are a huge, huge change to any deck that can significantly impact how you play the game, as they provide a permanent way to spend resources (relevant for things like Fireaxe) and can really insure that you're over the top on important skill checks. Rogues in particular will almost always want to save XP to buy these things ASAP and they make the original set cards that required actually finding them and playing them from your hand look absolutely terrible in comparison. But honestly, it's hard to not mention Prepared for the Worst (draw 9, choose a weapon) as it is a Guardian standout that insures you will be able to find a weapon as another big highlight. Preposterous Sketches is also very solid and is very easy to play in almost all cases for its class.

2. 9 out of 10

   enzo622

   Not commenting on individual cycle packs but rather put my comments under the main game. Suffice to say, I love this game and all the expansions.

3. 9 out of 10

   ArborBarber

   Tremendous and terrifying. The first AH mission where I felt real horror at the plot and what was happening to my characters. Even if you win, you feel the consequences.